Reframe workplace wellness programs: Focus on employee debt, financial stress

Finances are the biggest contributor to a decline in well-being, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute, which provided an update on the state of wellness in the workplace in a recent webinar.

“I found it astounding that 60% of employees are moderately or highly concerned about their financial well-being, up from 49% a year ago,” said Sandy McCarthy, president of retirement services for OneAmerica Financial Partners and webinar moderator. “Add to that the fact that nearly 50% of employees are highly or moderately concerned about their emotional or physical well-being, and I am sure you are on the same page with me that this is concerning.”

“The majority rates their overall health, emotional well-being and mental health as excellent or very good,” said Gina Scime, director of health and benefits for Greenwald Research. “But we see a deterioration in this year’s results in how they rate their finances. Employees said the top causes of their financial stress are saving enough for retirement, having emergency savings and paying their monthly bills.”